iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Speak out against the National Book Banning Bill HR 7661 🩷Urge your reps to vote no HR 7661 & to protect kids’ freedom to read. 🤍5calls.org/issue/federal-book-ban-hr7661/ for their script, or see @authorsagainstbookbans or the @americanlibraryassociation statement opposing this bill. /end

022

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

I’ve been thinking about how I see more YA & adult books recs for TRR & we need to include picture books! Especially since we are currently facing a national book ban targeting trans books. The HR 7661 Bill says it would ban any book that “involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism.” 2/

DOOR BY DOOR by Meeg Pincus and art by Meridth Gimbel

121

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Hello lovelies! I’m currently on a deadline, so this post is a double dip.  “Happy Trans Rights Readathon! For those unfamiliar, the goal is to uplift/read/support trans, non-binary, 2Spirit, & gender expansive characters & author/illustrators as well as raise funds for trans causes. 1/

1145

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Kid me would probably be shocked that I write and illustrate children’s books. With all that’s going on in the world, books will always be my joy, my safe space, and my respite. #thisiswho #kidlit #childrensbookillustrator #childrensbookauthor 1/3

241

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Hello lovelies! Posting my #KidLitArtPostcard from me and my ornament eating rescue dog, Artichoke. Hope you all have a jolly holiday! >woof woof!< 💚❤️ 🎄I illustrate & write stories for PB & MG, fiction & NF, & GNs 🎄Website: www.MeridthSaysHello.com 🎄Agent: @AllieLevick at Writers House

Dog climbing a Christmas tree. #kidlitpostcard illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel

211514

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

I have been researching biographies of historical trans figures for my book GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TRANSCESTORS (@harperkids 2028) for 2.5 years now. (My bibliography is around 10 pages long!) 1/

Library of Congress missing historical article

150

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Hello lovelies! It’s #kidlitpostcard day! Sharing an illo I did of #BillyTipton for the pitch packet of GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TRANSCESTORS (out in winter 2028). Who knows what the illos will look like by then but I’m delighted I get 2 spend the little while geeking out about historical #trans figures

Illustration by Meridth McKean Gimbel of Billy Tipton playing the piano

3223

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Hey there Halloweenies! I’m neck deep in edits, so posting an illo from our hallowed past. Here’s to a hauntingly good day. 💀🍁 #kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #picturebookillustration #itsfall #skeleton #graveyard #halloween #meridthmckeangimbel

0212

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

It’s officially official!!! Courtney Stevenson @harpercollins has bought my book GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TRANSCESTORS!!! (To be released winter 2028.) Eeeeeee!!!! 👀 #kidlit #middlegradebooks #HistoryNerd #GettingToKnowYourTranscestors #Transcestors #TransHistory

Announcing GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TRANSCESTORS by Meridth McKean Gimbel

0161

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

The so-called Department of War has banned nearly 600 books this year from military bases or schools. They’ve targeted books that “promote gender idealogy” or “DEI.” Not surprisingly my book, DOOR BY DOOR (written by Meeg Pincus, illustrated by me) is one of those banned books. 1/ #BannedBookWeek

Sarah McBride speech at the Democratic National Convention

193

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

🍁 Hello friends! I’m joining #kidlitpostcard a wee bit late (I’m on deadline) but had to post something cuz this is my fav time of year. (Hooray for crunchy leaves & pumpkin spice!) I’m rep’d by @allielevick.bsky.social at Writers House. For more work visit my website at www.MeridthSaysHello.com 🍂

Kid walking in the trees holding a leaf in the fall.

1365

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

I just signed a contract!!!! I can’t talk about the details yet, but let me say writing &illustrating about such inspirational topic has been a beacon of light for me in these dark days. I’m so grateful for my agent @allielevick, my editor & my crit buddies. #oncloudnine #kidlit #debutauthor

12705

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Preservation of queer history is so important, especially these days, with an administration that has gone out of its way to remove transgender contributions from the Stonewall monument, and wiped words like “queer” “gender” and “sex” from federal websites.

ACT UP pins and site, speaking out for advocacy during the AIDs crisis.

100

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

This past week my bff and I went to the @glbt_history museum where we learned that it’s collection of historical items from the queer community started by retrieving personal items (like letters and photos) from people that had passed away from AIDs, that were to be thrown away.

My and my bff at the GLBT Historical Society.

162

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

It’s #Kidlitartpostcard Day! I’m an enby ND author/illustrator, I’d love to work on; PBs, chapter books, MG & GN, fiction and nonfiction—ranging from spooky, silly, found families, LGBTQ+ books and/or with social justice themes. I’m rep’d by fab agent @allielevick. Portfolio link in bio.

1720s baby, happily held by parent. Children’s book illustration by Meridth McKean Gimbel.

0337

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Hello Publishing People! Happy #Kidlitartpostcard Day! I’m a nonbinary & neurodivergent author/illustrator. I’m also available for PBs, chapter books, MG and GN projects—fiction NF. 💌 Rep= @allielevick. 🕸️ Portfolio = www.MeridthSaysHello.com #kidlitart #kidlit #childrensbooks #nonfiction

Zuni mother and child. Illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel

2565

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Please check out @uniteagainstbookbans for info about today’s movement #DrawntoFreedom & #RightToReadDay 2see how to support libraries & banned books. If you’re an author you can also get involved in the fight via @authorsagainstbookbans #kidlitartist #bannedbooks #sarahmcbride #transbooks #kidlit

DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH McBRIDE BECAME THE FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR one of the most banned or censored books in Alabama.

1102

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

2/ I’m so very grateful 2all the librarians &educators who have ordered DOOR BY DOOR despite the pressures 2censor the books they shelve. Libraries have always been a big part of my life &they are at the 💛 of our communities. It’s more important than ever 2be vocal about supporting libraries #kidlit

DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH McBRIDE BECAME THE FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR

161

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

1/ This is an illo from DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH McBRIDE BECAME AMERICA’S FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR (story by Meeg Pincus, art by me.) Unfortunately it’s been challenged/banned since publication. (I just found out it’s 1 of the top 10 most challenged/banned books in Alabama this year.) #kidlit

Young Sarah McBride reading a book. Illustration from the book DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH McBRIDE BECAME THE FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR.

2272

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

5/ That’s just my experience with him. He’s had a rich full life, and I’m sure he has touched so many others. Rest in peace, Brad.

060

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

He actually came to teach @my university that following year & showed up for my BFA show. (Pictured above) He was so supportive of my work. I didn’t always have support that one might want to start off a career in illustration, yet here was a celebrity artist supporting me. It’s always meant a lot.

140

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

3/ Before I set off to do my daily tasks, Brad and I would sit down and he would share what he had been studying or thinking about that day; the evolution and history of the hat, how electricity came to be in Manhattan, etc. It was an incredible experience.

110

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

I had the privilege of interning with him while I was in college. My job was to scan thousands of sketches, from transfer paper to a digital file, so that he could paint them later. I was gobsmacked at how many sketches there were, little mini pieces of art, that I got to hold in my hand.

160

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

I just heard that Brad Holland passed way. I’m so sad to hear that. He was a genius, not just as an artist, but as a brilliant mind.

160

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

5 Calls has an app that’s really helpful for people that hate calling. (me) You can call your reps # from the app & there’s a script that can help you craft what you’d say to your representatives. I usually call after business hours so I leave a message. (Did I mention calling gives me anxiety ?) 😅

5 calls script to call a representative.

151

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Celebrating the new year by working out with my favorite workout buddy, even if he is a mat hog.

080

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Hi friends! I’ve had some peaks & valleys this year. Seeing what I’ve gained & lost gives me perspective for how I want to approach 2025. What are some of your successes? How do the year’s difficulties shape how you’ll approach the New Year? I hope you all feel loved, connected & worthy of goodness

List of good things that happened in 2024

291

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Hi #kidliart friends! (It’s been a hot minute.) Our traditions are *a lot* but we love them. We make cookies for a village, I design a Christmas card for my friends, and we get annual ornaments for our kids and nieces and nephews.

Christmas tree being carried by a family and a dog

371

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

#CookieBakestravaganza2024 is nearly done. Almost all the boxes have been handed out, and my kids and I have happily eaten most of the remaining goodies. Hope you all have a delicious holiday!

010

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Hope you have a restful-scrumptious-filled to the brim with loved ones-holiday! Holiday fun fact: Our rescue dog, Artichoke, loves to eat ornaments. So our tree is very top heavy 😂 #kidlitart #kidlitartist

Family, and a dog, carrying a Christmas tree.

2173

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Working on a secret something, so in posting a classic Christmas #KidLitArtPostcard this month! 🎄I create art & write stories for PB & MG, fiction & NF, and Graphic Novels 🎄Website: www.MeridthSaysHello.com 🎄Agent: @AllieLevick at Writers House 🎄Favorite Christmas Cookie: Alfalors

0535

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

Cheers to that! Here’s my art. Thanks for being a big proponent of Kidlit artists and designers. 🙌

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs illustration.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel.

Sarah McBride speaks at the Democratic National Convention.

0110

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 06/11/2024

We just re-elected a serial sexual assaulter and felon that lead an angry mob to the capitol to steal the last election. My brain is spinning, but here’s what I keep landing on: The racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, transphobic vision is a feature and not a bug for those that voted for him.

182

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 06/11/2024

If you’d like to read more about her inspiring life, read her powerful and moving autobiography TOMORROW WILL BE DIFFERENT, and the award winning picture book bio DOOR BY DOOR written by Meeg Pincus, art by me!

Book cover for “Door by Door: How Senators McBride Became America’s First Openly Transgender Senator.”

030

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 06/11/2024

Super congratulations to Delaware State Sen. Sarah McBride who is once again making history — she will be the first openly transgender person to serve in the U.S. Congress!!! Congratulations @sarahemcbride! Your victory is a win for us all! 🏳️‍⚧️🎉🥳

Sarah McBride giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention. Illustration says, “Sarah McBride Makes History.”

14814

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 01/11/2024

Manifesting. … *This art is protected by my copyright and Overlai. AI training and development is expressly prohibited.* #kamalaforthewin #harris2024 #kidlitart #kidlit #kidlitartist #illustration #illustrationartists

Little Kamala Harris will be the next president.

3132

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

Thought I’d share a cover I created a few seasons ago of one of my favorite spooky reads. Happy Halloween! *This art is protected by my copyright and Overlai. AI training and development is expressly prohibited.* #kidlitart #kidlit #childrensbooks #illustration #bookillustration #bookcover

Illustrated cover by Meridth McKean Gimbel of Neil Gaiman’s Graveyard Book. Cover has a ghost like boy and tombstones.

090

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 10/10/2024

Attention librarians, educators and nonfiction nerds!! DOOR BY DOOR is on the CA Dept. of Education’s 2024 Recommended Literature List!! This list is “a collection of outstanding literature for children and adolescents in grades preK through grade 12 in all disciplines” Pretty neat huh? #kidlit

Children’s book ‘Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became America’s First Openly Transgender Senator’ is on the California Department of Education’s 2024 recommended literature list.

053

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 30/09/2024

Other highlights for me were listening to presentations by @uyenloseordraw @tracybshaw @missconnieh @minjipatterson. I also met up w/ my kidlit pal @grubreport for her hike & rant. (I love a good grouch on a craggy coastline.) My crit buddy @shirleysillos was there too leading a sketchbook group. 💛

Shirley Ng Benitez, Stephanie Lucianovic, and Meridth Gimbel.

Group photo of Kidlit creators among the trees.

100

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 30/09/2024

Y’all I’m still trying to absorb @scbwisf’s Golden Gate Day! It was a lovely conference &I’m inspired &ready to dive back into my projects. Many thanks to the lovely faculty, regional team &volunteers for a pretty fab day. Oh &I won the Grand Prize Portfolio Showcase & was a PB story finalist!!! 🥳

The prolific Uyen Pham and Meridth Gimbel!

110

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 11/09/2024

Super congratulations to @sarahemcbride, who is opening more doors by securing the Democratic nomination for Delaware’s Congressional seat! She’s favored to win in November, which would make her the first openly trans member in Congress!!!

Sarah McBride making a speech at the DNC reads, “We must never be a country that says there’s only one way to love, only one way to look, and only one way to live.”

020

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 01/07/2024

Writing something that means a whole lot to me and am listening to Antony and the Johnsons and ANOHNI while trying not to sob! 😅 This album is so pretty. Curious how many writers out there listen to music while writing? #kidlit #kidlitwriter

Antony and the Johnsons & ANOHNI album cover of Candy Darling in the hospital.

140

Meridth McKean Gimbel @hellomeridth.bsky.social · 30/06/2024

Hiya 👋 #kidlit peeps! I’m a kidlit writer and artist. I create art for picture books, middle grade, nonfiction, fiction, and graphic novels. My debut PB is a Lammy Award Finalist. 🌈 Check out my website www.MeridthSaysHello.com for more. Rep’d by Alexandra Levick at Writers House. #kidlitart

Says, “Meridth McKean Gimbel. Rep’d by Alexandra Levick at Writers House.” We see a ghost peaking at a kid holding books and their black cat.

3329